ZZR 600 v. SV650S

[LCA_koolaid37]

Okay, men... it's time to take the women and children inside and get down to brass tacks. I have had a Suzuki VZ800 for about 4 months and have put ~2,000 miles on it. However, after riding my friend's 2006 Raven Edition R6 through the twisties around Mo., I knew I had to have a Crotch Rocket. For months, I have been fixated on getting a SV650S next Spring, but after reading about the Kawasaki ZZR 600... I think I may have to leave my sweetheart SV.

What I am looking for is a bike that is not only quick, but damn near FAST. Also, the bike doesn't have to be ridiculously comfortable, as long as I could use it to make 3 hr trips stopping once every hour or so. Finally, it needs to have good handling. I've heard that the ZZR 600 is really a 1998-2002 ZX-6 or something that has just been revamped... so that would make finding an older and cheaper one better. Anyways... as they say in the ring... let's get it on (That means give me input)

[SVZuki]

trade ya

[inspiron]

4 months and 2200 miles? You're still a newbie. Stay away from the "R" bikes. If you want a crotch rocket, go find a used SV650 or Ninja 500.

Check out the links in Rowdy's signature, and honestly evaluate your level of riding maturity. You sound like you are in level 2 - false security - just waiting for the "wake up call". With a VZ800 (and assuming you're wearing proper gear) you'll probably survive the "wake up call". With a bike like an R6, you'll get into that kind of situation much faster ...

[Clint]

I dunno. In LCA's case there's obviously intelligence and prior consideration involved. I give him my blessing, though he still needs to be aware of his limited skills. Riding with his sportbiking buddies will require massive restraint.

If he was talking the 1200 now....

[919Hooligan]

LCA, Did you check out the new Ninja 650R? It's basically the Kawasaki version of the SV 650, but it's a parallel twin instead of a v-twin. You should check it out! It's pretty cool. If I were you I'd look at the 500-900cc sporting twins- they would make a nice step up in performance for someone who hasn't had years of experiance, and believe me, they perform more like your friends 4cyl than your VZ's twin. Ducati 695 Monster, SV650, Ninja 500-650, Triumph Thruxton, Or even a late model Buell. There, now you have my two cents! Good luck

[LCA_koolaid37]

Originally Posted by 919Hooligan

LCA, Did you check out the new Ninja 650R?

Yes, I did actually. I was reading a comparison between the SV650S and the Ninja 650R on the internet somewhere. There were pluses and minuses to both bikes; however, the SV650S had considerably more power at higher RPMs. The thing for me is that I'm a 6'0, 215 lb male that's only 18 and still adding mass (I do BJJ and lift weights). So, as much fun and comfort, not to mention good looks that the VZ800 offers, I just need something with a little more power when you need it.

Here's the link to the comparison page...

2006 Ninja 650R vs Suzuki SV650 - MotorcycleUSA.com

Also, I would assert that group riding and peer pressure among sportriders contributes considerably to accidents and overzealous or reckless driving. Out of my 4 mos., I have only riden twice accompanied by another rider and that was only one person.

[wookie]

Originally Posted by LCA_koolaid37

....(I do BJJ and lift weights)....

Sounds obscene

[LCA_koolaid37]

LOL... In the recesses of my mind, I thought such a comment would arise.

BJJ = Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

[Freakinout]

A new SV is gonna be fuel injected, the zzr 600 has carbs, just keep that in mind. V-twins and inlines are different worlds, especially coming from a cruiser. Just want you to keep that in mind.


How long have you been doing BJJ?

[LCA_koolaid37]

About 2 years. I took 2 years of TKD before that and then dabbled in Hap Ki Do. I'm actually very excited because next semester I will be able to start regular BJJ classes, as my school's hours conflicted with my university's school schedule.

[budlight]

well if you do get the zzr you should know that is actually the 00-02 ZX6-R (ZX600J) however zzr's older than 2005 are the ZX600E (a much older heavier bike)

ZX600E


ZX600J


I'd recommend you stay away from the ZX600E zzr, not really because it doesn't have enough power for you (it definitely will have plenty) but it's handling isn't up to par with the other bikes your considering. The Ninja 650r, SV650 and ZZR600 are all good choices. One problem people have experienced with the Ninja 650r is that you can't lower it (I wouldn't recommend lowering a bike anyway) due to the way the suspension is built, this wouldn't be a problem for you at 6'0" though.

[FLYONWALL]

I'm a first time rider also. Though I used to race dirt bikes
back in my day. I know the two are very different.

I don't buy into weight being a factor of needing a larger
CC bike. I weigh about the same as you do and nearly as
tall. I do believe in the comfort level so I can go along with
that. I think that if you ride with a good head and don't
get in over your head you will be fine on most anything.

But, a properly set up smaller than 600 bike can be as fun
if not more fun than a much larger more powerful CC bike.
If I had to do the buying all over again I would try and meet
a few people that would let me ride the bikes I was looking
at.

I am guessing your wanting to get NEW? If not then look into
a V4, I push them because they are a real HOOT. I could change
a bunch of buyers if they just rode my little bike. Granted they
are HARD to find and you are likely not to see another in your
riding area. But you can find 750s-800s that have WAY enough
grunt.

[mike-s]

r.e. lowering a bike, it can be done, but it will cost you
a close friend suffers from what we kindly refer to as "ducks syndrome" i.e. her legs dont hold her backside far enough off the ground to make getting on *any* bike easy.

she went from a 1996 zzr600 (thats in australia, not the zx6 relabelled a zzr600 you americans have) to a zx636 and it was too tall for her. So she bought it, had it sent directly to a suspension shop and they lowered it 5cm (2.05 inches or so), lowered the forks on the tree's, new front springs, reworked the rear shock. Cost her about $1000AU ($780US), she scrapes the fairings a bit, but the bike handles very nicely and she loves the bike.

6 foot? i wouldnt bother lowering it at all, im 5ft7 and can handle a seatheight of 77-78cm without too much trouble.

[Rickster]

I wouldn't worry about your weight being a problem with the SV650. I only had mine for a short time, but I did get the opportunity to ride one day with my son when we switched back and forth between the SV650 ,and my DL1000 V Strom. I out weigh my son by about 40 lbs, that puts him at 200. From 0 to 100 the two bikes were about as close as two bikes can be, and it didn't make any difference who was on what bike. In the twisties the 650 could always pull away from the V Strom, even with me on the 650, and he is a better rider than I am.